Six new PGA Tour rules come into effect, covering fairway relief, pitchmarks, and club repairs.On Tuesday, the PGA Tour informed players of five new local model rules and added a sixth change related to preferred lies. Thus, the season kicks off with six new rules next week at the Sony Open in Honolulu, Hawaii. Steven Rintoul, the PGA Tour’s Vice President for Rules and Referees, told golf.com these are \”good, sensible outcomes for the highest level of golf.\” These local model rules, approved by the USGA and R&A effective January 1, 2026, continue the modernization of the rules that began in 2019.
Updated PGA Tour Rules Clarify Penalties for Unintentional Ball Movement
According to Rule 9.4b, a player incurs a penalty stroke if they move their resting ball and fail to replace it before their next shot, even if unaware the ball moved or could have moved. However, if it is later discovered that the player caused the ball to move, they have not played from a wrong place (Rule 14.7a, two penalty strokes). If the player notices the ball has moved and plays without replacing it, they receive a general penalty under Rule 14.7a. This rule originates from an incident involving Shane Lowry at the 2025 Open Championship in Royal Portrush, where he inadvertently moved the ball during a practice swing and was later assessed a two-stroke penalty based on video evidence. Lowry accepted the penalty despite finding it difficult to accept.
Relief Now Allowed When Ball Lies in Another Player’s Pitchmark
Previously, free relief was only permitted when the ball came to rest in the player’s own pitchmark. Now, under Rule 16.3b, a player may receive free relief if an official determines the ball lies in a pitchmark below ground level caused by another player’s shot. Repaired pitchmarks remain unaffected by this rule regardless of repair quality. This change follows repeated incidents, including Lowry’s earlier denied relief at the 2025 Open, where his ball lay in another player’s pitchmark.
“Out of Bounds” Applies Only When Ball Is Played From Tee
To prevent players from gaining advantages by using other holes’ fairways as shortcuts, inside boundaries (usually marked with white stakes) will now only be considered \”Out of Bounds\” when the ball is played from the tee. Previously, players were restricted from moving beyond these boundaries, even when trying to navigate obstacles like trees, limiting their options. This rule now applies solely to tee shots.
Relief for Movable Obstacles on Closely Mown Areas Off the Green
If the ball is not on the green, movable obstacles generally do not cause interference per Rule 16.1. However, if the closely mown fringe or apron area is suitable for putting, immovable obstacles like sprinklers or microphone holes may now be considered interference, allowing officials to grant free relief if the ball lies on the intended line of play.
Players May Now Repair Damaged Clubs On-Site Using Parts From Their Bag
Rule 4.1b(4) now permits players to repair damaged clubs during a round using components carried in their bag, such as spare